Simple syrup is exactly that—simple. It’s just sugar and water simmered until the sugar dissolves into a clear, sweet syrup you can add to almost any drink or recipe that needs gentle, grit-free sweetness. Use it in cocktails, iced tea, lemonade, coffee drinks, or any beverage where you want even sweetness without undissolved crystals.
Keep a jar of simple syrup in the fridge for easy sweetening of drinks and desserts.
Your simple syrup questions, answered
Yes. Simple syrup takes flavorings well. Add herbs like mint or basil, citrus peel, whole spices such as cinnamon sticks or cardamom pods, or other aromatics to the hot syrup and let it steep. For best flavor, allow the syrup to infuse at least two hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator, then strain and use.
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Simple Syrup
David Leite
Equipment
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Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Instructions
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Combine the sugar and water in a small heavy saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring and swirling until the sugar dissolves.
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Dip a pastry brush in hot water and wipe down the sides of the pan to dissolve any sugar crystals clinging to the sides.
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Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and let cool. Store in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator; the syrup will keep for several weeks.
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Nutrition
Calories: 48 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Sodium: 1 mg
Sugar: 12 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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Recipe Testers’ Reviews
This simple syrup passed our blind testing process and earned the Leite’s Culinaria seal of approval.
Kim Venglar
The name says it all: simple. I keep this syrup in the refrigerator at all times. Grandkids use it to make lemonade or limeade—equal parts water, juice, and simple syrup—and to sweeten drinks where undissolved sugar would be a problem. It’s versatile and reliable.